Femoral condyle configuration and its impact on anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the most common knee injuries and has substantial impact on knee function. Beside primary ruptures, an increasing number of re-(re-)ruptures occur, representing a therapeutical challenge for the treating surgeon. Several risk factors for re-ruptures have been previously identified, including an increased tibial slope.

In this study, we investigated the effect of femoral condyle configuration on ACL-ruptures and re-ruptures.

In-vivo magnetic resonance imaging scans of three different groups of patients were compared. Group 1 included patients with an intact ACL on both sides, group 2 included patients with primary, unilateral ACL-rupture, while group 3 included patients with an ACL-re-rupture or re-(re-)rupture. Fourteen different variables were obtained and analyzed regarding their impact on ACL-re-(re-)rupture.

Overall, 334 knees were investigated. Our data allowed us to define parameters to identify anatomical configurations of bones associated with an increased risk of ACL-re-rupture. Our results show, that patients with ACL-re-rupture show increased radii of the extension facet of the lateral femoral condyle (p< 0.001) as well as of the extension facet of the medial femoral condyle (p< 0.001).

We conclude that a spherical femoral condyle form does influence the clinical outcome after ACL-reconstruction.